Project Updates
Read about our accomplishments to-date, as well as planned projects in the path to restoring Barnard Station.
Completed June 2021
Agreement signed with Pocopson Township
This agreement allows for the creation of a new Heritage Center on the first floor of the historic Barnard house.
Completed August 2022
Welcome Center
Friends of Barnard Station has been working on the creation of the new Welcome Center to allow visitors to experience what we envision for the exhibit spaces in the front section of the house, once restored. Visitors will be able to see new mouldings recreated to match the character of the original early 19th century moulding found in the front section of the house. The Welcome Center provides information about the Barnard family and their involvement in the local abolition movement in the 19th century. There is information about Harriet Shephard and her children's escape from bondage, that passed through the Barnard farm. Visitors will learn about the evolution of the property and also see what other events were happening in the nation during the same time periods. A slideshow is projected that allows visitors to experience parts of the historic house that are closed to the public. Information about the creation of a Preservation Plan, for which a matching grant was recently awarded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, is detailed in the new space. Plans are in place to further develop the content over the winter season as the Preservation Plan process is underway. See Project Gallery for images.
Completed September 2022
Recognition on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom
The National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom accepted the Eusebius Barnard House as a member. Friends of Barnard Station, along with Pocopson Township, are pleased to make this announcement. It is now officially recognized as Barnard Station. Here is our press release: Barnard Station Press Release
Completed October 2022
Grant to Create Preservation Plan
We were approved for a matching grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) to complete a Preservation Plan so that we have an accurate foundation to finalize our plans for the restoration of the first floor of the house, where the new Heritage Center will be located. This official report, by a recognized historical preservation architect, will help with future grants that we pursue. Since this is a matching grant, we need financial help from the community to meet our portion. Each dollar donated will be matched by PHMC. During the summer of 2022 we executed a campaign to raise matching funds from the community.
We wish to thank the Phyllis Recca Foundation and all of our donors for their contributions that helped us complete our first $16,000 matching fund. Now we move forward to raise the remaining funds required for the PHMC grant. We are making great progress. Beyond that, we will continue to pursue contributions for future work to the first floor of the Heritage Center. Our work has just begun, but we are very thankful for all the community support. We are energized and excited to reach our ultimate goal, which is to open the Heritage Center.
Planned 2022-2023
Grant writing
Interior Restoration
We are awaiting the Historic Preservation Plan before beginning work on the restoration.